Parnell, Treadwell sworn in as Governor, Lt. Gov.

December 06, 2010|by Rebecca Palsha

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Sean Parnell and Mead Treadwell were sworn in as governor and lieutenant governor Monday. The inauguration marks Parnell’s first full term since he took over as governor in the wake of Sarah Palin’s 2008 resignation.

Both Parnell and Treadwell gave passionate speeches and talked about the direction they want the state to go. In his speech, Parnell discussed his top priorities, including education, protection against domestic violence, and building a natural gas pipeline.

“It is our place in history to have not one but two successful open seasons, and it will be our time to seize the moment and get a gas line,” Parnell said.

Parnell says he's building on a strong base and spoke about protecting the state's most vulnerable people, while advancing the next generation.

“We give thanks for the work ahead: the work of growing our economy, creating paths of oppoptunity for Alaska, accessing Alaska’s vast natural resources, protecting the most vulnerable among us, and creating that transforming environment for our children -- but we relish this work,” Parnell said.

By Parnell’s side will be Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell. Treadwell grew emotional while talking about his family, and he says the rest of the country needs to take note: Alaska matters.

“It’s about time America understands the Arctic matters,” Treadwell said. “For 500 years, governments has sent explorers to this region to seek sea routes to more closely link the continents, and we live at a time when the explorers’ vision is finally upon us -- Alaska will shape the way it happens, and shipping must be safe, secure and reliable.”